Livability
It encompasses factors like neighborhood amenities, including parks, open space, walkways, grocery shops and restaurants as well as environmental quality, safety and health.
These two measures calculate the livability of countries and cities around the world, respectively, through a combination of subjective life-satisfaction surveys and objective determinants of quality of life such as divorce rates, safety, and infrastructure.
[9] It focuses on how comfortable and enjoyable a city or neighborhood is to live in, whereas quality of life is more subjective and encompasses a broader range of personal factors, including health, education, income, and social relationships.
Facilities that serve the local population as well as an adequate quantity of mixed uses in an acceptable allocation and ratio all contribute to the mixed-use area's increased livability.
[15] Similarly, as they have a significant positive impact on society, the environment and the economy, the neighborhood must have a sufficient number of public open spaces and other recreational facilities.
[16] Public parks, plazas and other open areas are crucial because they aid in easing the crowded feeling that mixed-use communities frequently experience.Many of the studies emphasized the beneficial impacts of green spaces on people's health and overall well-being.
Some researchers contend that this feeling of compactness can be diminished by a well thought-out design that considers the socioeconomic and cultural context of the residents and how they affect the overall neighborhood experience.
[24] Although livability principles were not taken into consideration, conventional methods of transportation design mainly focused on the need to reduce traffic congestion, allow quick automotive circulation and satisfy parking demands.
[25] So, in order to make a neighborhood more livable, there must be a variety of transportation alternatives that are available and usable by people of all ages, from all socioeconomic backgrounds and from all financial levels.
Urbanization and population growth pose challenges to livability as cities become overcrowded, leading to increased traffic congestion, inadequate housing and strain on resources such as water and energy.
[32] Investments in critical services like schools, particularly for people living in rural areas who lack access to high-quality educational institutions, parks, and other necessities for an active daily lifestyle.
[33] For instance, residents who live in an area with a variety of social infrastructure can take care of their daily needs close by, walk to the store and interact with their neighbors.
Residents' opportunities to be active and interact with friends are reduced when they must travel outside of their neighborhood to meet these needs in the absence of a diverse social infrastructure close to home.
This includes implementing smart grids to manage energy consumption, using sensors and data analytics to monitor and address environmental issues, and providing digital platforms for citizen engagement and participation.
By incorporating parks, gardens, and green infrastructure into urban planning, smart cities prioritize the well-being of residents and promote a healthier environment.
These green spaces not only provide recreational areas for residents but also help improve air quality, reduce the heat island effect and support biodiversity.
[38] This has led to a decentralization of urban areas, reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for residents by allowing them to escape crowded city centers.
[39] Moreover, the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental conservation has prompted smart cities to prioritize renewable energy sources and implement eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
